Thailand’s largest island, long accustomed to welcoming travelers by air and sea, is now the testing ground for a new experiment in long-haul ground transport. State-owned Transport Co Ltd has launched an express bus service linking Bangkok and Phuket, promising faster journeys, fewer interruptions, and a more competitive alternative to domestic flights. The trial, which runs through March, underscores how Phuket is increasingly becoming the focal point of Thailand’s mobility and tourism strategies.
The Bangkok–Phuket route has long been a staple of Thailand’s intercity bus network, but the journey’s 13-hour duration has often made it an option of last resort compared to the one-hour flight. Transport Co, also known locally as Bor Kor Sor, is attempting to shift that perception by shaving an hour off the trip, reducing pickup and drop-off points, and replacing roadside restaurant stops with onboard meals. The logic is simple: keep buses moving, minimize friction, and create a service that feels less like a marathon and more like a streamlined alternative for cost-conscious travelers.
Phuket is central to this experiment not only because of its heavy passenger flow but also because of its strategic positioning. As Thailand’s flagship resort island, it attracts millions of visitors annually, many of whom fly directly into Phuket International Airport. Offering a viable express bus alternative could broaden access, particularly for domestic travelers and budget-conscious international tourists arriving first in Bangkok.
Competing with the Sky
The challenge for buses has always been the dominance of low-cost airlines, which have transformed domestic travel in Thailand over the past two decades. A round-trip bus fare from Bangkok to Phuket costs 1,112 baht (about $30), significantly cheaper than most last-minute flights, but the time difference remains stark: twelve hours on the road versus barely one in the air. By trimming only a single hour from the standard service, the express bus cannot match aviation on speed, but it may find its niche where affordability, convenience, and reliability intersect.
The emphasis on express services also reflects wider pressures in Thailand’s transport sector. Airlines face fluctuating fuel costs and exposure to global demand shocks, while state-backed buses can operate with greater flexibility in pricing and scheduling. For Phuket, the expansion of options strengthens its positioning as a resilient tourism hub, less dependent on airline seat capacity alone.
Implications for Phuket’s Growth
For local policymakers and business leaders, the trial carries implications beyond mere passenger comfort. Phuket is pursuing multiple infrastructure upgrades—from port expansions to digital visa systems—aimed at reinforcing its global competitiveness. Efficient ground connectivity from Bangkok complements these efforts, diversifying the island’s access points and reducing vulnerability to air traffic disruptions, as seen during the pandemic.
The express service could also benefit the island’s domestic economy. Affordable and predictable bus transport supports labor mobility, enabling workers from other provinces to travel more easily to Phuket’s hospitality, construction, and services sectors. In this sense, the buses are not only a tourist product but also a tool of economic integration.
The test phase, scheduled to run until March, will reveal whether faster, more streamlined buses can capture meaningful demand. If successful, the model could be scaled to other long-haul routes, further integrating Phuket into Thailand’s transport grid. The real test will be whether passengers value the incremental speed gains and onboard amenities enough to shift habits entrenched by years of cheap flights.
Phuket’s experiment is emblematic of a broader transition in Thailand’s mobility strategy. The island is no longer just a destination; it is a proving ground for how the country adapts to shifting tourism flows, rising cost pressures, and evolving passenger expectations. The express bus may not rival the airplane in velocity, but it represents a quiet recalibration of priorities: making Thailand’s crown jewel of tourism accessible not only to those who fly but also to those willing to take the road—faster, cheaper, and perhaps more sustainably.